From our friends at WABI Burien:

As a cyclist, there are guidelines and rules-of-the-road (and the State) that you must follow for safety’s sake, as well as the assurance of a more pleasant ride. 

(And when riding with children, teach them to be good cyclists by ensuring that they also learn about and follow these guidelines!)

Act Safely and Predictably

  • Wear a properly fitted helmet.
  • Ride in a straight line.
  • Stay right, pass left.
  • Be seen. Wear light/bright clothing. Use a headlight and taillight.
  • Be courteous and a good bike ambassador.

Stay Alert

  • Momentary inattention is the number one cause of incidents.
  • Watch for vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and hazards (e.g. curbs, potholes, railroad tracks, glass, debris).
  • Do not wear earbuds or use phones while riding. 

Maintain Space

  • Move off the road or trail when stopped.
  • Leave enough room in front of you to avoid other riders, vehicles and hazards.
  • Ride at least four feet from parked cars, outside the door zone.

Respect the Rules of the Road

  • Obey all traffic laws.
  • Bicycles are allowed to treat stop signs as yields if no other vehicles or pedestrians are present.
  • Use hand signals when turning or stopping — if it is safe to do so. Show everyone around you what you are going to do before you do it.
  • In most cases, riding single file is safer. Bicyclists have the legal right to ride two abreast and/or to take the full lane when necessary to have adequate space to ride safely.
  • Yield to pedestrians. They have the right of way.

In Group Rides, Think Ahead and Talk

  • Scan ahead and anticipate what others will do.
  • Tell others what you are going to do by saying: “Stopping”, “Slowing”, “Passing on your left”.
  • Announce “Broken” when the group becomes separated.
  • Call out hazards such as: “Glass”, “Sand”, “Post”. Use your outside voice.
  • Do not yell “Clear” at intersections. Everyone should check for themselves.
  • Cross railroad tracks at a right angle whenever possible. Warn other riders and plan your approach to ensure safe crossing. 

With acknowledgement to Cascade Bicycle Club.

For further information, contact Dave at Bike@wabiburien.org.

Since 2007, The B-Town Blog is Burien’s multiple award-winning hyperlocal news/events website dedicated to independent journalism.